Stirling Albion manager Stuart McLaren admitted his side were below par as Forfar earned a 1-0 win at Forthbank.

Gavin Malin hit the winner just before the break and our task was made more difficult when Chris Smith was sent off following a challenge on Martyn Fotheringham a minute after the restart.

McLaren said: “We were not at our best. We didn’t use the ball well enough and our movement wasn’t as good as it has been in recent games – the result was that we didn’t cause Forfar many problems.

“It was really difficult when we went down to 10 men, although the players showed spirit. I’ve got a different opinion from the referee. I didn’t think it was a clear goalscoring opportunity. It was possibly a free-kick – Chris’ view is that it was shoulder to shoulder – but for me the forward still has a bit to do.”

Forfar assistant boss Ian Campbell said: “It was a very disciplined performance – our shape and organisation was good. Stirling worked hard with 10 men, so you have to give them credit, but we had all the chances and should have finished the game off.”